Thomas

Kensler

,

PhD

Research interests in my laboratory focus on the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in the induction of cancer by chemicals to serve as a basis for the prevention, interruption or reversal of these processes in man. We study adaptive responses to endogenous and exogenous stress as targets for cancer prevention with a primary focus on the KEAP1-NRF2 signaling pathway. Our work includes the discovery and translation of small molecule activators of the pathway, genetically engineered murine models to probe the functional reach of the pathway alone and through cross-talk with other signaling networks, and the conduct of clinical trials of NRF2 inducers, such as the broccoli-derived compound sulforaphane, in populations unavoidably exposed to high levels of environmental carcinogens,notably those associated with exposures to high levels of air pollutants in this Yangtze River basin area of China. Our latest intervention with a broccoli sprout beverage has demonstated a rapid and sustained increase in rates of detoxication of pollutant carcinogens and irritants.